For years, fans of the BBC's Merlin have searched for a worthy successor to that beloved reimagining of Arthurian legend. The show's fresh take on the young wizard and his bond with Arthur set a high bar for fantasy storytelling. Now, a new contender has emerged: The Librarians: The Next Chapter, which offers a wildly different but equally captivating version of the legendary sorcerer, played by none other than Dominic Monaghan.
Monaghan, best known for his roles as Merry in The Lord of the Rings and Charlie in Lost, brings his signature charm and a touch of chaos to the role. In this TNT series, Merlin is no longer the wise, elderly mentor of tradition. Instead, he's a quirky, unpredictable figure who has been freed from imprisonment and is now navigating the modern world. Stripped of most of his magical power, he still possesses deep knowledge of the arcane, but he's portrayed almost like a recovering addict trying to resist the pull of magic—a struggle that proves futile as he repeatedly finds himself drawn back into its orbit.
The show's second season picks up with Merlin acclimating to contemporary Europe, but his past is never far behind. The immortal Elaine Astolat reveals that Merlin was actually responsible for the fall of Camelot, adding a layer of guilt and complexity to his character. His absence in recent episodes and his sudden, deceptive return in "And Descartes' Dilemma" hint at his own agenda, one that may be more villainous than heroic. He even attempts to convince the time-displaced Vikram Chamberlain to become the next Arthur, molding him to his will.
This interpretation of Merlin is a far cry from the wise old wizard we've seen in countless adaptations. Monaghan's performance is energetic, whimsical, and tinged with a moral ambiguity that keeps viewers guessing. It's a bold choice that pays off, especially for a franchise like The Librarians, which has always embraced a lighter, more adventurous tone. The show has a history of subverting classic fairy tales—turning Peter Pan into a shady antagonist and reimagining Hansel and Gretel as cannibalistic witches—so it's no surprise that they'd give Merlin a similar twist.
While some might argue that Monaghan wasn't an obvious pick for the role, his casting is inspired. He brings a youthful energy that makes this Merlin stand out, and his comedic undertones are balanced by a strange, compelling darkness. Even if you're well-versed in Arthurian lore, you'll find yourself wondering what this version of Merlin will do next.
For those who loved the BBC's Merlin and are looking for something that captures that same spirit of reinvention, The Librarians: The Next Chapter is a must-watch. It's a show that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet still delivers engaging character arcs and clever twists. And with Monaghan at the helm of this iteration, the series offers a fresh, exciting take on a timeless figure.
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As The Librarians: The Next Chapter continues its second season, it's clear that Monaghan's Merlin is more than just a one-off guest spot. His arc is designed to unfold over multiple episodes, promising more of his unpredictable antics and hidden depths. Whether he ultimately becomes a hero, a villain, or something in between, one thing is certain: this is a Merlin you won't want to miss.
